Xcel Energy Offers Summer Energy-Saving Tips

AMARILLO, Texas Although Xcel Energys generation resources are sufficient to meet increased demand anticipated from another hot summer, customers are encouraged to find ways to reduce electricity usage, especially on hot days. This not only reduces potential strain on the regional power grid, but also helps customers save money and lessen their environmental impact.

Recent news about potential power shortages within ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), the power grid serving downstate Texas, has elevated concerns about system reliability among Xcel Energy customers and stakeholders. Xcel Energys Texas and New Mexico service areas are part of the Southwest Power Pool in the eastern electrical grid, which is a separate electrical grid from ERCOT. More generation and transmission facilities have been and are being added in the Xcel Energy service area, increasing the utilitys ability to meet growing demand all year long.

We nevertheless want to help customers better manage their electricity usage, while lessening the overall strain on our system, said Riley Hill, president and CEO of Southwestern Public Service Company, an Xcel Energy company.

Tips on conserving power can be found at xcelenergy.com under the Save Money & Energy tab on the home page. Those tips include:

Raise the thermostat setting from 72 to 78 degrees, providing a savings of up to $25 per month.

Turn off unnecessary lighting and install compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs, they last longer, and can save up to $55 over the life of the bulb.

Run washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers with full loads.

Change air conditioning filters.

Use ceiling fans to cool the home.

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Xcel Energy Offers Summer Energy-Saving Tips